Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, with District 5 Councilmember Luis Chavez, announced Thursday the award of the first construction contract for a new 49-acre regional amenity park that has been in the planning phase for years.

Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, with District 5 Councilmember Luis Chavez, announced Thursday the award of the first construction contract for a new 49-acre regional amenity park that has been in the planning phase for years.

The project was first announced more than two years ago by Dyer and Chavez after $8.5 million was set aside from the American Rescue Plan funds by the mayor’s office.

American Paving Co. of Fresno was announced as the recipient of the initial contract as the lowest responsible bidder, tasked with developing ten acres of the total 49-acre park.

The first phase, which will include the largest of the construction projects — two lighted soccer fields, two playgrounds, outdoor exercise equipment, restrooms, concessions and storage buildings — will see ten of the 49 acres completed under a $9.6 million contract. Construction is expected to begin in January 2025.

“For as long as I can remember, there have been efforts to build a park on the Peach Avenue property,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer. “Now, it is reality. This regional amenity is a major step forward in my One Fresno vision, which is an inclusive, prosperous, beautiful city where people take pride in their neighborhoods and community.”

The first phase of the project will also see the construction of a parking lot and accessible pathways throughout the park, along with site furnishings, including a shaded seating area, picnic tables, grills and pergola.

“When completed, our children and families will have a state-of-the-art sports complex with picnic tables, soccer fields, cricket, and a trail,” Chavez said. “Residents will not have to travel five miles to access amenities for our children. Now, it is in their backyard.”

The total cost of the project is approximately $12.26 million. Funding comes from Park Impact Fees, Measure P and American Rescue Plan dollars.